Page 1 - Brandon Sun - Readers Choice 2019

Brandon and Westman’s ‘best of’ for 2019

BY DREW MAY “It says that people are en- she found out the spa was The awards also recognize “I don’t know who would Mihaly said he was glad to
gaged with their local paper nominated. This year, she Brandonites for their volun- be doing that but it’s an hon- see an increase in responses
Collecting more than and are engaged with Read- said the business made it a teerism. our,” he said. this year and hopes it contin-
71,000 votes, this year’s West- ers’ Choice, which is the goal to maintain a high level Angie Ball, a volunteer at He said the nomination is a ues into next year’s awards
man Readers’ Choice re- community engagement that of service. Westman Dreams for Kids, testament to not only the en- season.
ceived nearly three times the we’re looking for — those are “This year, that was defi - was nominated for “Most tire Royal LePage branch in “With the number of vot-
number of responses as the the types of things it’s nice to nitely a goal of course; to just Dedicated Volunteer-Chari- Brandon, but also the city’s ers, it gave you a bigger au-
annual survey did last year. see.” offer exceptional service and ty,” along with Hope Switzer real estate industry. dience,” he said. “It gives
Now in its third year, Bran- Businesses are also getting customer service,” she said. and Sara Peto. “I think it’s a refl ection you more of a diverse look
don Sun publisher Jim Miha- behind the awards to show “It’s amazing, so exciting.” “I think it’s pretty cool to of our whole company and at things — the best areas
ly said the huge jump is likely off their popularity and rec- Alieshia’s was nominated be noticed in the communi- our team that it all worked to bring tourists and things
because Brandon and West- ognition in the community. for four awards, “Best Place ty,” she said. “It’s pretty awe- together — we work as a like that. It gives you a wider
man residents are fi nally in Jill Landry, co-owner of to Escape Stress,” “Best Spa,” some.” unit,” he said. “Just to single scope in terms of what peo-
the habit of voting for their Alieshia’s Salon & Spa, said “Best Hair Salon,” and “Best She said Westman Dreams me out in a way is a little un- ple see in the business (com-
favourite people, businesses last year she didn’t know Manicure/Pedicure.” for Kids, which was nominat- fair because I work with so munity).”
and things to do in the re- about the awards, but that “I just love that the com- ed for “Best Local Charity,” is many great Realtors.” Voting in next year’s West-
gion. it was “super exciting” when munity partakes in stuff like using social media to be seen Making a return to the list man Readers’ Choice will be-
that and votes,” Landry said. in Westman. in multiple categories was gin in December.
“I think we’re just a really Mayor Rick Chrest, who was
well-recognized charity in nominated for “Most Won- » dmay@brandonsun.com
the community and we’re derful Brandonite,” “Most In- » Twitter: @DrewMay_
different from other chil- visible Politician” and “Most
dren’s charities because we Trustworthy Politician.”
are local,” she said. “We’re a Chrest was not nominated
locally run facility.” for “Best Dressed Male” this
Brad Munn, who along year, something he said he
with Larry Jago and Audrey was surprised to see in both
Wilson was nominated for 2018 and 2017.
“Best Realtor,” was humble “It’s always been very in-
when he learned of the nom- teresting and very fl attering
ination. to have citizens make those
kind of remarks or include
me in some of the catego-
ries,” Chrest said, adding that
he was confused with his
nomination in the “Most In-
visible Politician” category,
as he actively tries to be as
visible as possible.
“I feel like I’m everywhere,”
he said. “I’m a very gregari-
ous person, I’m in all the gro-
cery stores. I don’t know how
I could be more visible.”
Despite the invisibility
nomination, Chrest said he’s
grateful for the other two
nominations, which he said
shows people feel he’s doing
a worthwhile job.